Testing finds pesticide in Dana well water

Published: Thursday, January 31, 2013 at 4:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, January 30, 2013 at 4:11 p.m.

The Department of Public Health said recent well testing showed high levels of the pesticide dieldrin in the Dana community of Henderson County.

The testing was carried out by the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Earlier this month, the health department and each homeowner affected by the testing received a letter about the findings and a Health Risk Evaluation that compared the concentration of detected contaminants to acceptable concentrations. Recommendations for acceptable uses of this water were included.

A meeting to address homeowner’s concerns has been scheduled for 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7 in the Dana Elementary School cafeteria. Seth Swift, REHS, Environmental Health supervisor, arranged the meeting and urged individuals affected to attend. Both officials from water quality and the state toxicologist will be attending.

“We know this is frightening to find out that your well water is no longer safe to drink,” said Swift. “We are aware of the uncertainty and stress that comes with this, as well as the hardship of the cost to purchase drinking water. We want residents in the affected community to know that we are concerned too.”

Swift said the Bernard Allen Memorial Fund is a source for homeowners not able to afford alternate water for themselves when their primary drinking water source well has become contaminated. Homeowners must provide income verification to receive assistance.

The Health Department will continue to monitor the situation and address concerns at the scheduled meeting. Landon Davidson in the Asheville Regional Office, NCDENR, may also be contacted at 828-296-4500.

<p>The Department of Public Health said recent well testing showed high levels of the pesticide dieldrin in the Dana community of Henderson County. </p><p>The testing was carried out by the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources.</p><p>Earlier this month, the health department and each homeowner affected by the testing received a letter about the findings and a Health Risk Evaluation that compared the concentration of detected contaminants to acceptable concentrations. Recommendations for acceptable uses of this water were included.</p><p>A meeting to address homeowner's concerns has been scheduled for 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7 in the Dana Elementary School cafeteria. Seth Swift, REHS, Environmental Health supervisor, arranged the meeting and urged individuals affected to attend. Both officials from water quality and the state toxicologist will be attending.</p><p>“We know this is frightening to find out that your well water is no longer safe to drink,” said Swift. “We are aware of the uncertainty and stress that comes with this, as well as the hardship of the cost to purchase drinking water. We want residents in the affected community to know that we are concerned too.”</p><p>Swift said the Bernard Allen Memorial Fund is a source for homeowners not able to afford alternate water for themselves when their primary drinking water source well has become contaminated. Homeowners must provide income verification to receive assistance.</p><p>The Health Department will continue to monitor the situation and address concerns at the scheduled meeting. Landon Davidson in the Asheville Regional Office, NCDENR, may also be contacted at 828-296-4500.</p>